This amazing table is made from the oldest wood on the planet

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Image: Riva 1920

28 October 2015

This beautiful tabletop is made from a single piece of Ancient Swamp Kauri wood that's around 50,000 years old.

Prehistoric Kauri trees, known as Ancient Swamp Kauri, are native to New Zealand's North Island. Some time in the past entire forests of Kauri succumbed to natural events, such as hurricanes or earthquakes. The fallen trees remained buried in mud for many, many thousands of years.

Swamp Kauri planks Image: Riva 1920

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Sealed away from the decaying effects of the air, the timber remained perfectly preserved and now can be made into furniture and smaller pieces such as bowls and even table lamps. The wood is prized for its rich, deep golden colour and wonderful grain pattern.

Image: Riva 1920

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There's only one rare and precious 50,000-year-old Ancient Swamp Kauri table for sale in UK, and it's exclusive to Heal's in London's Tottenham Court Road. Hand-crafted by Italian company Riva 1920, it's truly a one-off, luxury piece and costs £26,280.

Riva 1920 Kauri table, L317cm x W150cm x H75cm, £26,280, Heal's

Find out more about the fascinating history of Swamp Kauri and the manufacture of these amazing tables at Riva 1920.